Panthers’ Sam Bennett brings playoff goal total to 15 in Game 5

Fighters at UFC on ESPN 69, including winners from The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), earned $21,000 each from the UFC's Promotional Guidelines Compliance program. This payout is part of an ongoing initiative that survived the UFC's sponsorship switch from Reebok to Venum, ensuring fighters still get a cut for sticking to branding rules.

Editor’s Note: While UFC fighter pay is often controversial, this story highlights a consistent (if modest) source of income for athletes who comply with sponsorship restrictions. For rising fighters—especially TUF alums—this extra cash can be meaningful, even if it doesn’t solve broader pay debates in the sport.

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, who had a breakout season in 2024, is gearing up for another strong performance—this time with extra motivation. He’s entering a contract year, meaning his play could secure a big payday.

Editor’s Note: Contract years often bring out the best in players, and Bonitto’s situation is no different. If he delivers, it’s a win-win: the Broncos get a key defensive contributor, and he lands a lucrative deal. For fans, it’s a storyline to watch—will his momentum carry into 2025?

Former NBA player and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins is laughing off a viral moment where fans trolled him by showing up to a game dressed as the goofy protagonists from Dumb and Dumber. Perkins joked that he wished TV cameras had given the prank more airtime, leaning into the humor rather than taking offense.

Editor’s Note: It’s a lighthearted reminder that even analysts and ex-athletes can have a sense of humor about themselves—especially when fans go all-out for a good-natured jab. In an era where sports coverage often feels overly serious, Perkins’ reaction adds a refreshing layer of fun to the NBA media circus.

FIFA’s highly anticipated Club World Cup debut in Florida got off to a lukewarm start over the weekend. Despite a sold-out crowd and the magnetic presence of Lionel Messi, the opening match fizzled with a lackluster 0-0 scoreline—leaving fans craving the fireworks they expected from a $2 billion spectacle.

Editor’s Note: Big-money soccer events like this are supposed to deliver high-energy entertainment, but a goalless opener risks turning casual viewers away. For FIFA, which is banking on this revamped tournament to rival the Champions League, the pressure’s on to prove it’s worth the hype—and the price tag.

Veteran coach Stefano Vecchi is reportedly making the jump from Vicenza to Inter Milan, where he'll take charge of their brand-new Under-23 team. The deal, which is said to be a two-year contract, was scooped by Italian sports paper Tuttosport. Vecchi’s experience with youth development makes him a solid fit for the role as Inter builds out its next-gen squad.

Editor’s Note: Inter Milan is clearly investing in their youth pipeline, and Vecchi’s hiring signals they’re serious about developing homegrown talent. For fans, it’s a promising move—strong youth teams often feed future stars into the senior squad. Plus, Vecchi’s track record suggests he could bring some much-needed stability to their U23 project.